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Keeping the Germs Away

When your child has an autoimmune deficiency or a chronic illness such as cystic fibrosis, exposure to germs is a scary and often dangerous event. Many parents argue that germs lead to the building of a child’s immunities. True. However, for some children, the common cold can turn into a hospital visit and will mean missing school and activities. It could also mean permanent damage that is irreversible and detrimental to a child’s long-term health and life-expectancy. While you can’t control the outside world, if your child has a condition that turns tiny germs into giant, overpowering menaces, here are some tips to keeping the germs out of your child and your house.

1 When you are out in the “real-world” your child will be exposed to germs. It is inevitable. Arm yourself with hand sanitizer and make sure you wash your hands and your child’s hands when you get home. Don’t place your purse on the floor or public bathroom counter.

2 Keep the shoes at the front door. Just imagine all of the germs and bacteria we step in on a daily basis. Those sidewalks are covered with the spit from a group of teenage boys and poop from the neighborhood pets. Leaving your shoes at the front door, and asking all guests to do the same, will keep your house cleaner.

3 Make sure everyone who enters your home washes their hands immediately. Everyone thinks that their hands are clean, but we touch so many dirty items from doorknobs to money, light switches to the steering wheel. Washing your hands cuts your chances of getting sick way down and keeps germs out of your home.

4 Wipe away germs. Use sanitizing wipes made by companies such as Lysol or Clorox to clean common household items like doorknobs, light switches, the remote, the faucet, and the phone.

5 Keep sick people away. Ask friends and family to please stay away if they are feeling ill, even if it is “just a cold”. If they don’t listen and show up sneezing or coughing, politely ask them to leave or ensure that they stay away from your child by at least 3 feet. They might be insulted, but your child will be healthy.

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About Nancy

I am a freelance writer focused on parenting children with special needs. My articles have been featured in numerous parenting publications and on www.parentingspecialneeds.org.
I am the former editor and publisher of Vermont HomeStyle Magazine.
I am a wife and mom to a two daughters, one with cystic fibrosis and one who is a carrier for cystic fibrosis.